Cycles, Life & Death, Suffering & Hope

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Angell Deer, a beacon of holistic wellness, environmental stewardship, and spiritual enlightenment. Join us as we explore Angell's transformation from a corporate leader in luxury retail to a revered shaman and mystic, founding The Sanctuary, a haven for spiritual seekers nestled in the serene Catskill Mountains. Discover how his profound connection to nature and ancient wisdom led him to establish The New York Bee Sanctuary, advocating for the protection of bees and wild pollinators on a global scale. Here’s what you will discover in this new podcast episode: 1. The Importance of Putting Teachings on the Heart and Allowing It to Break Open 2. The Struggle with Entrepreneurship and the Pressure to Succeed 3. Creating Bee Sanctuaries 4. The Importance of Pollination and Decline of Honeybees and Its Impact on Ecosystems and Food Production 5. Shamanism as a Practical Way of Connecting to Nature Tune in to uncover the wisdom of a modern-day mystic and gain valuable insights into conscious living, environmental stewardship, and spiritual awakening. This is a replay from The Conscious Living Podcast at https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Vpy68r9nwQtQ5ykvgoIwc?si=N7GVfgstSueoLdKQwcLuyw

The Conundrum of Ease: Seeking Genuine Easement in a Fast-Paced World   **Description:** Welcome to a thought-provoking discussion that delves deep into the complexities of seeking ease in our fast-paced, modern lives. Join us as Angell and Marita explore the intricate dance of finding true ease, not as the world promises, but as a journey into the heart of life itself, marked by responsibility, presence, and engagement with the world in its entirety. In a world that equates ease with success, happiness, and moral goodness, our dynamic duo challenges the notion with a refreshing take. They unravel the layers behind the modern quest for ease, revealing how it often leads us away from genuine engagement with life. From agriculture to spirituality, this conversation traverses through topics that reveal the stark difference between superficial ease and the rich, often challenging path of living in deep connection with self, community, and the natural world. Angell shares insights from the lessons learned in the simplicity of working with the land, dealing with livestock, and embracing the natural cycles of growth, decay, and renewal. Through storytelling and reflection, they invite us to reconsider what it means to seek ease, urging us towards a life of easement—a life that acknowledges and embraces the inevitable interactions and responsibilities we have to the land, to each other, and to our inner selves. Marita brings to the conversation her experiences of living close to the land, tending to the needs of non-native species, and the profound realization that true ease comes not from escaping the responsibilities of life but from finding one's place within its complex web. This rich discussion will challenge you, inspire you, and maybe even alter your perception of what it means to live a good life. It's about slowing down, embracing the unseen, and finding contentment not in ease but in the ‘easement’ of being fully present to the complex beauty of the world.   Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: The Modern Quest for Ease 5:20 - Unpacking Ease: Historical and Cultural Contexts 11:45 - Agriculture as a Metaphor for Life 17:30 - The Illusions of Modernity and Spirituality 23:50 - The Beauty of the "Hard Work" Behind Living Close to the Land 29:35 - Ancient Wisdom vs. Modern Expectations 34:50 - Easement: Finding Your Place in the Tapestry of Life 40:15 - Concluding Thoughts: The Path Forward   If you find yourself seeking more than just the superficial ease sold by modern narratives, this video is for you. Join Angell and Marita as they guide us through the understanding that true ease isn't about the absence of challenges but finding joy, purpose, and contentment in facing them. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions like this. #EaseVsEasement #LivingPurposefully #ModernLifeConundrums #TrueContentment #NatureConnection #AncientWisdom

In a deeply engaging and thought-provoking episode, Angell Deer unfolds a captivating conversation with the acclaimed podcaster, mythteller, and educator, Josh Schrei. Titled for his profound connection to myth, poetry, and an animated vision of life, Schrei shares insightful reflections on the modern relevance of ancient tales, articulating a bridge between the primordial and the contemporary. As the mind behind The Emerald Podcast, Schrei weaves a tapestry of discussion topics ranging from personal transformation and the integration of myth into modern living, to the broader global impacts these narratives can have on our collective consciousness. Topics Covered: Introduction to Myth and Poetry: Josh shares his early introduction to the world of myth and poetry, deeply influenced by his upbringing in a Zen Buddhist household rich with storytelling and animated imagination. His journey further expands with vivid experiences in India, which significantly shaped his mythic perspective. Interplay of Myth in Daily Life: Exploring the struggle and eventual integration of mythic vision into everyday existence, Josh discusses the relevant challenges faced by individuals seeking to align their inner imaginative world with the external realities of modern life. Influence of Indian Mythology and Other Cultural Tales: Delving into his fascination with Indian mythology and other global myths, Josh emphasizes the rich tapestry of characters and settings that fueled his creative imagination, drawing parallels with the works of Tolkien and other storied landscapes. Role of Mythology in Shaping Societal Constructs: The conversation navigates through the significance of mythology in shaping cultures, communities, and personal identities. Josh posits that underlying mythic narratives influence societal norms and personal belief systems more than commonly acknowledged. The Contemporary Relevance of Ancient Wisdom: Josh and Angell discuss the urgent necessity of revisiting and integrating ancient wisdom and mythological perspectives to address modern-day crises, highlighting the disconnect between current societal directions and the innate human need for connection and meaning. Navigating Hope, Despair, and Activism: Addressing themes of hope, despair, and the pressing issues faced by humanity today, Josh reflects on the role of Stories, rituals, and the collective longing for a balanced interconnectedness amongst individuals, communities, and the natural world. Personal Transformation and Parenthood: With insights into his evolution as a father, Josh reveals how parenthood has deepened his commitment to fostering a world imbued with mythic consciousness, aiming to leave a legacy of love, connection, and a healthier planetary consciousness for future generations. Upcoming Projects and Ways to Engage: The podcast wraps up with information on how listeners can further engage with Josh Schrei's work, including details about his in-depth courses and the Emerald Podcast's community-focused initiatives. Guest Biography Addendum: Joshua Michael Schrei is a podcaster, mythteller, teacher, and a lifelong student of the cosmologies and mythologies of the world — in particular the Indian subcontinent.  Throughout a lifetime of teaching, study, meditation and yogic practice, wilderness immersion, art, music, and public speaking, Josh has sought to navigate the living, animate space of the imagination and advocate for a world that prioritizes imaginative vision. Josh has taught intensive courses in mythology and somatic disciplines for over 20 years. He is the founder of The Emerald Podcast, which combines evocative narrative, soul-stirring music, and interviews with award-winning authors and luminaries to explore the human experience through a vibrant lens of myth, story, and imagination.   patreon.com/theemeraldpodcast

🌗 Embracing the Gray: Lessons from an Eclipse | A Conversation with Angell & Marita   **Description:** In this profound and introspective conversation, Angell and Marita dive into the nuanced realms of light, darkness, and the mysterious in-between - the gray areas where life's most intricate lessons lie. Following the recent eclipse, they share their personal experiences and the deeper symbolism it brought into their lives, exploring themes of balance, presence, and the cyclical nature of existence. Angell recounts his day spent in reverence of the natural world, choosing to honor the eclipse not through direct observation but through engaging with the land, reflecting on life, and death, and finding wisdom in the simplicity of "chopping wood, carrying water". Marita expands on the conversation by sharing teachings from their Hawaiian and Indigenous traditions, highlighting how eclipses and other natural phenomena can reveal the often overlooked nuances of our lives and the environment. This dialogue traverses various cultural philosophies, from Andean Cosmology to Apache and Yoeme traditions, weaving a rich tapestry of insights on living in harmony with the natural cycles, the power of the unseen, and the importance of embracing the gray areas in our understanding of the world and ourselves. Whether you're curious about the spiritual significance of celestial events, seeking to deepen your connection to nature, or simply looking to explore life's gray areas, this conversation between Angell and Marita invites you to consider the profound beauty and lessons that lie in the balance of light and dark.   Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to the Conversation 2:05 - Angell's Experience with the Eclipse and Nature's Teachings 10:15 - The Symbolism of Light, Darkness, and the Gray Areas 18:40 - Cultural Teachings on the Eclipse and the Natural World 27:55 - The Importance of Embracing the In-Between 35:20 - Concluding Thoughts on Living in Possibility   Join us in this captivating journey through the subtleties of life and the universe, as we explore the spaces in between and the lessons they hold. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more enriching discussions. #Eclipse #Spirituality #NatureConnection #Cosmology #Balance #LifeLessons

Welcome to "The Edge of Wilderness," a profound journey into the heart of nature and the depths of the human soul. In this compelling episode, Angell Deer sits down with Sarah West, a remarkable individual whose life's work is as diverse as it is impactful. Sarah, who calls the wild beauty of Moab, Utah, her home, is not just a therapist but a guide, artist, writer, and a voice that bridges the gap between us and the natural world.   Sarah West's unique approach combines her vast knowledge and experience in trauma healing, somatics, mindfulness, nature therapy, and soul work with her academic background in archaeology and human evolutionary ecology. Her immersion in indigenous wisdom traditions enriches her practice, allowing her to offer deeply rooted insights into the connection between healing and the wilderness around us.   In this episode, you'll discover how Sarah's experiences with indigenous communities across the globe, including time spent with the Bushmen and Australian Aboriginals, have shaped her understanding of our bond with nature. Through her tales of exploration in Moab's red rock deserts, ancient cave rituals, and her sacred art of photography, Sarah invites us to consider our own relationships with the natural world and the forgotten wisdom it holds.   In this episode, you'll explore: * The Essence of Sarah West’s Work: A poignant blend of trauma healing, somatics, mindfulness, nature therapy, soul work, depth psychology, wilderness vigils, and expressive arts, informed by her extensive academic background and immersion in indigenous wisdom traditions. * Living in Harmony with Nature: Sarah’s life in Moab, Utah, a place of red rock deserts and national parks, provides a stunning backdrop for her healing and creative endeavors. She shares her experiences and profound connection with this landscape. * Indigenous Wisdom and Global Experiences: Insights from Sarah’s time among indigenous communities, including the Bushmen and Australian Aboriginals, highlight valuable lessons on living according to nature and understanding our place within it. * Cave Rituals and Visionary Experiences: Sarah recounts transformative experiences in ancient caves, revealing the spiritual potency of these sacred spaces and their impact on her work and personal journey. * The Sacred Art of Photography: How Sarah uses her art to communicate between humans and the more-than-human world. Her photography and artwork serve as an act of reciprocity with nature, capturing its soul and essence. * Wilderness Vigils as a Path to Transformation: This section discusses the importance and impact of wilderness vigils (also known as vision quests) on personal transformation. Sarah’s role as a guide for these powerful experiences encourages individuals to seek clarity, healing, and a deeper sense of self in the embrace of the wild. * Bridging the Human and Natural Worlds: An exploration of how Sarah’s work invites us to reconsider our relationship with the earth, urging a return to authentic, sacred connections with the land and its spirits.   Join us on "The Edge of Wilderness" for a captivating conversation inviting you to reflect on your connection with the natural world, explore the depths of your inner wilderness, and consider the healing power of nature in our lives. Sarah West's journey is a testament to the transformative potential of living in intimate dialogue with the world around us. About Sarah West Sarah West is a therapist, nature guide, writer, artist, and naturalist who lives in the wild beauty of Moab, Utah. Her work bridges several disciplines, weaving together trauma healing, somatics, mindfulness, nature therapy, soul work, depth psychology, wilderness vigils, and expressive arts healing. Sarah's diverse academic background in archaeology and human evolutionary ecology, along with her immersion in indigenous wisdom traditions, contributes to the depth of her work. Websites: sarahwesthealingarts.com and sarahwestfineart.com

“Myth as Medicine: Why Ancient Stories Matter in the Modern World.” Dive into a conversation with Simon Yugler, a masterful guide at the intersection of myth, psyche, and transformation, as we navigate the ancient pathways that myths layout in our modern era. In this episode, we explore the enduring power of mythology, its connection to the earth, and its relevance in contemporary healing practices, including the burgeoning field of psychedelic therapy.   In this episode, we delve into: The Relevance of Mythology: Unpacking the significance of ancient stories in our present-day reality. Why turn to myths in an age dominated by technology and empirical science? Mythology and Shamanism: Exploring the deep lessons mythology offers about shamanic practices and altered states of consciousness. How do these ancient narratives inform and embody shamanic journeys? Mythology in Modern Healing: The use of mythology to deepen the impact of psychedelic and shamanic healing practices. Discover the transformative power of myths in therapeutic contexts. Reconnecting with the Earth: How myths serve as a vital link to the land, fostering a sense of belonging and stewardship for our planet. Understanding Mythopoetics: An introduction to mythopoetics and its crucial role in enriching our lives and cultures. Why does crafting meaning out of story matter? Characters and Archetypes: Simon shares his affinity for certain mythological figures and archetypes, shedding light on their significance and what they reveal about human nature. The Stories We Need to Hear: Discussion on the essential myths and narratives that hold powerful lessons and insights for today's world.   About Simon Yugler: Simon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as an internationally recognized psychedelic therapist, educator, and author. With a Masters in Depth Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, his book, "Psychedelics & the Soul: A Mythic Guide to Psychedelic Healing, Depth Psychology, and Cultural Repair," has touched many. Simon's approach draws from his extensive travel and learning from Indigenous cultures, including his involvement with the Shipibo ayahuasca tradition and the Native American Church. His background as an experiential educator and retreat leader, alongside his deep understanding of the soul’s terrain, positions Simon as a unique voice in the realms of mythology, therapy, and cultural healing. Based in Portland, Oregon, Simon is devoted to guiding individuals through the wilds of the soul with compassion, wisdom, and a deep respect for the ancient stories that connect us all. Join host Angel Deer and Simon Yugler for this transformative journey through myth, memory, and the meaningful connections that tie us to our world, both seen and unseen. Tune in to “Myth as Medicine: Why Ancient Stories Matter in the Modern World,” and rediscover the power of mythology to heal, inspire, and awaken.

In this enlightening episode, Angell Deer converses with Sandra Ingerman, a world-renowned teacher of shamanism, about the profound journey through darkness and how suffering, loss, and pain can serve as powerful vehicles for transformative growth. With decades of wisdom distilled into her latest book, "Walking Through Darkness," Sandra shares her insights and personal experiences on navigating the difficult terrains of life.   **Main Topics Discussed:** - **Origins of "Walking Through Darkness"**: Sandra opens up about her inspiration for writing the book, rooted in her own life filled with initiations and transformative experiences. Growing up amidst suffering and witnessing the hardships of others led her to explore how pain and loss can act as rites of passage for spiritual awakening.   - **Personal Journey and Initiations**: Sandra recounts her own harrowing experiences, from being struck by lightning to grappling with a rare brain disorder. These events pushed her into the depths of despair, teaching her the tough lessons of ego dissolution and the power of the spirit to navigate through the darkness.   - **The Role of Elders and Spiritual Teachings**: Highlighting the absence of guiding elders in modern times, Sandra emphasizes the importance of having roadmaps provided by wisdom keepers to navigate life's challenges. She shares how past cultures embraced the teachings of elders to move through tough times with grace.   - **Healing Through Nature and Self-Discoveries**: Sandra finds solace and guidance in nature, teaching her the importance of small, forward-moving steps, and the significance of self-love and worth in the healing journey. Her work reflects the need for connection with the natural world and the practice of sacred reciprocity.   - **Navigating Collective Suffering**: Addressing the current global challenges, Sandra discusses the collective suffering and loss the world is facing. She believes in the power of individual actions and spiritual practice to contribute positively to the collective, highlighting the importance of appreciating life's simple joys and the beauty of the planet.   - **Advice for Those Walking Through Darkness**: Offering practical advice, Sandra emphasizes starting with small, manageable steps towards healing. Whether it's performing simple ceremonies, connecting with the elements of nature, or practicing gratitude, these actions can significantly alleviate the burden of suffering.   Throughout the interview, Sandra Ingerman's insights serve as a beacon of hope and healing, encouraging listeners to find strength in their spirit and the natural world. Her book, "Walking Through Darkness," not only offers a comprehensive guide through personal and collective suffering but also illuminates the path towards a more connected and spiritually awakened life. For anyone navigating their dark night of the soul or seeking deeper understanding of life's trials, this episode is a must-listen, offering practical tools, wisdom, and the assurance that transformation is within reach.   About Sandra Ingerman: Sandra Ingerman, MA, a world-renowned teacher of shamanism, is recognized for bridging ancient cross-cultural healing methods with modern culture. She’s taught for 40 years, including workshops worldwide on shamanic journeying, healing, and reversing environmental pollution using spiritual methods. Sandra is a licensed marriage and family therapist, professional mental health counselor, and a board-certified expert on traumatic stress. Watkins Body Mind Spirit magazine honored her by including her in their 100 Most Spiritually Influential People of 2020. She was also chosen as one of the Top 10 Spiritual Leaders of 2013 by Spirituality and Health magazine, and was awarded the 2007 Peace Award from the Global Foundation for Integrative Medicine. She’s authored 12 books, including Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self… Medicine for the Earth… Walking in Light… and The Book of Ceremony: Shamanic Wisdom for Invoking the Sacred in Everyday Life. Sandra and Hank Wesselman’s book, Awakening to the Spirit World: The Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation, won both the 2011 COVR (Coalition of Visionary Resources) Visionary Award and the 2011 IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Award). Since the 1980s, thousands of people have healed from past and present traumas through Soul Retrieval, the classic cross-cultural shamanic healing method Sandra teaches. Sandra is recognized for bridging ancient cross-cultural healing methods into our modern culture, addressing the needs of our times. Sandra is known for gathering the global spiritual community together to perform powerful transformative ceremonies as well as inspiring us to stand strong in unity so we do our own spiritual and social activism work while keeping a vision of hope and being a light in the world. www.sandraingerman.com www.shamanicteachers.com www.ShamansTV.com

In this thought-provoking episode of The Sanctuary Podcast, host Angell Deer engages esteemed posthumanist thinker Dr. Bayo Akomolafe for a deep dive into the mysteries and complexities of life.   Dr. Akomolafe, an internationally recognized speaker, author, and the visionary behind the Emergence Network, opens the door to profound insights about our rapidly changing world and our role within it.   Throughout the enlightening discourse, the wisdom-packed conversation navigates through societal behaviors, cultural paradigms, and post-humanist intelligence, underscoring how our actions often depend on complex factors including technologies and societal structures.   The conversation turns its gaze to the influences of Liberalism and Capitalism on societies, and the quest for grounding amid global crises. The dialogue concludes with a reflection on uniformity and diversity, examining the possibility of embracing the tumultuousness of life rather than attempting to control it.   Alighting on notions of belonging, injustice, and compasses amidst rising conflict and crisis, the episode elucidates not just human suffering, but an interconnected web of pain and co-existence extending beyond human limits.   The narrative delves into the concept of justice as a tangible entity rooted in public order, accompanied by a gripping discussion on the meaning of solidarity in times of distress. The episode concludes in a contemplation of rituals and ceremonies, serving as anchors in a chaotic world and the necessity of embracing our alien self.   Join us in this exploration of wisdom, spirituality, and the mystery of existence. Discover new perceptions and question your existing ones with this episode of The Sanctuary Podcast.

Join us for an exploration of the UAP/UFO phenomenon and its connections to shamanic practices, Native American worldviews, and non-ordinary states of consciousness. Some topics we explored include: - UFO culture past and present - The kinship worldview and extraterrestrial contact in Native American traditions - The link between UAP encounters and non-ordinary states of consciousness - The connections between “alien abduction” accounts and Shamanic initiation - Profound value shifts in UAP contact experiences This is an introduction to the upcoming 6-week class starting March 6, 2024. More info at https://www.thesanctuaryheal.com/event-info/the-shamanic-worldview-and-ufos-uap-et-contact-ancient-wisdom-and-new-paradigms Kimberly S. Engels holds a PhD in philosophy and is a past participant in The Sanctuary’s Path of the Warrior course. She is currently a philosophy professor at Molloy University as well as the Director of Research and Development at the John E. Mack Institute. She has taught courses on the Phenomenology of UFOs/UAP through the Society for UAP Studies, as well as courses on Native American philosophy at her university. Her academic research centers on the lived experience of individuals who report UAP encounters, as well as ET contact, as an ongoing lived reality in Native American societies and cultures. In the Summer of 2023, she conducted a formal study of individuals who reported contact with non-human intelligences (NHIs), and how such experiences had influenced their beliefs, values, and worldviews. This research suggested that UAP/UFO encounters are deeply intertwined with contact with non-ordinary realities and new paradigms for understanding consciousness.

This is a reading of my essay "This Day is so Precious, You Are Awakening." A new format on my podcast I will now regularly include reading some of the most popular essays from my blog.